One of the best things about having multiple NFL teams in the state of Florida is each organization’s bond with the communities. Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback CJ Henderson proved just how impactful those bonds can be when it was announced that he donated $250,000 to his alma-mater, Christopher Columbus High School, of Miami.
Henderson’s donation will go towards renovations for the school’s athletic training facility, which will also be named the Henderson Family Training Center.
ANNOUNCEMENT: We are proud to announce a generous commitment of $250,000 from @Jaguars defensive back @HendersonChris_ '17 that will be put toward the athletic training center project, the Henderson Family Athletic Training Center ⇒ https://t.co/2Fq1o0xlko. #CPride #Adelante pic.twitter.com/2203Ubosx5
— Columbus High School (@ColumbusHS_Mia) May 10, 2021
“My high school definitely molded me into the young man I am today.” Henderson said of Christopher Columbus High School. “It taught me a lot of manners and a lot of discipline and stuff you have to learn to help you out.
My younger brother Xavier felt the same way about donating to our high school. He followed in my footsteps and achieved more than I did in high school. That’s another big reason why I wanted to give back.”
Henderson was a standout high school athlete who became a four-star recruit and was invited to play in the All-American Bowl while at Christopher Columbus High School. After receiving offers from various top-tier Division 1 programs, he decided to go to Florida and eventually became a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The renovations will help provide the school with areas for evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation. Additionally, the renovations will cover costs for whirlpools for hydrotherapy, massage chairs, and training tables — all of which will help their athletes perform on a high level.